A nurse is assessing a patient with a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL.
What is the appropriate indication for blood transfusion based on this hemoglobin level?
"I'm feeling weak and dizzy.”
"My hemoglobin is 7 g/dL, so I need a transfusion.”
"I had orthopedic surgery yesterday.”
"I have a stable cardiovascular disease.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"I'm feeling weak and dizzy." Rationale: Weakness and dizziness can be symptoms of anemia, which is often associated with low hemoglobin levels.
However, these symptoms alone are not a definitive indication for blood transfusion.
Other factors, such as the patient's overall clinical condition and the cause of the low hemoglobin, need to be considered.
Choice B rationale:
"My hemoglobin is 7 g/dL, so I need a transfusion." Rationale: This statement indicates that the patient is aware of their low hemoglobin level and believes they need a transfusion.
The hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL is a common threshold used as an indication for blood transfusion, especially in symptomatic patients.
This choice is correct because it aligns with the appropriate clinical indication for a transfusion based on the hemoglobin level.
Choice C rationale:
"I had orthopedic surgery yesterday." Rationale: While surgery can lead to blood loss, the statement alone does not provide sufficient information to determine if a transfusion is necessary.
The decision to transfuse blood should be based on the patient's hemoglobin level, overall clinical condition, and the extent of blood loss during surgery.
Choice D rationale:
"I have a stable cardiovascular disease." Rationale: The presence of stable cardiovascular disease is not directly related to the need for a blood transfusion based on a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL.
The decision to transfuse should primarily be based on the patient's hemoglobin level and symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen-carrying capacity but does not directly address chronic anemia due to kidney disease.
Erythropoietin therapy is a more targeted option.
Choice B rationale:
Erythropoietin injections stimulate red blood cell production and can be effective in treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
It is a suitable alternative to blood transfusion in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Volume expanders like lactated Ringer's primarily increase blood volume and circulation but do not address anemia or increase hemoglobin levels.
This option may not be the most appropriate for the client's condition.
Choice D rationale:
Iron therapy is generally used to treat iron deficiency anemia, but it may not be the most effective option for anemia related to chronic kidney disease, as it does not address the underlying cause.
Erythropoietin therapy is a more targeted approach.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Lactated Ringer's solution is a volume expander, not a therapy for improving oxygen-carrying capacity.
It can increase blood volume but does not address the underlying cause of anemia or hypoxia.
Choice B rationale:
Hemostatic agents like protamine sulfate are used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
They are not indicated for improving oxygen-carrying capacity in anemic patients.
Choice C rationale:
Oxygen therapy delivered through a nasal cannula or mask is indeed a therapy to enhance oxygen-carrying capacity.
It provides supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen saturation in the blood, which can alleviate hypoxia in anemic patients.
Choice D rationale:
Erythropoietin injections can stimulate the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
This therapy can increase the patient's hemoglobin levels and improve oxygen-carrying capacity, making it a suitable recommendation for a patient with hypoxia due to anemia.
For , choices A, C, and D are correct as they are examples of volume expanders that can increase blood volume and circulation without adding blood cells.
For , choice C is correct as hemostatic agents like vitamin K or tranexamic acid can promote clotting and stop bleeding in a patient with a bleeding disorder.
For , choice D is correct as erythropoietin injections can stimulate the production of red blood cells and help alleviate hypoxia in a patient with anemia.
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